High officials of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) James Hudson and Johannes Seiringer gave an exclusive interview yesterday for ‘Dnevni Avaz’ on the results of the two-day visit and meeting with high BiH officials.
Hudson and Seiringer, members of the Board of Directors of this bank, which is one of the biggest development banks in the world, have warned local politicians of the importance of economic development and the fight against corruption. They have been in BiH for the last two days with the goal to prepare for the realization of projects in BiH and Croatia for the period of 2013-2015.
Hudson explained that, based on the information that they received from representatives of the BiH Central Bank, they expect a slight economic growth during this year in relation to the earlier period where there was no economic growth.
According to Seiringer, there are many problems in BiH, and the goal of EBRD in every country in which it operates is to ensure a better life and standard for citizens.
“EBRD wishes to accomplish this through partnershiop with countries with which it cooperates. I think that we could work together to improve the situation and development of the country. We are focused on investing in infrastructure. We think that more progress should be made in connecting BiH and Europe. Official representatives in BiH are aware that there is much more that needs to be done in all areas”, said Seiringer.
EBRD officials reached out to the issues and corruption in BiH. Hudson explained that this is a very important issue and that financial institutions always include the fight against corruption.
“We want governments with whom we cooperate to implement these activities. During the visit to BiH we highlighted to BiH government representatives how important this aspect is to us’’, said Hudson.
Seiringer explained that for economic development foreign investments are important, and which largely depend on the situation in the country. He said that all BiH officials with whom they spoke are aware of this.
Seiringer said that EBRD invested funds in the most important projects in BiH, such as the construction of Corridor 5C.
“We hope that this project will soon be over. EBRD has invested important funds for the development of small and medium-sized businesses through financial banks in BIH and financial institutions’’, said Seiringer.
